Beamsteering control system for a vehicle radio receiver

ABSTRACT

A vehicle radio receiver has a beamsteering control system with two signal paths. One signal path generates an audio signal in response to incoming radio signals. Another signal path generates a test signal in response to the incoming radio signals. The audio signal is adjusted in response to the test signal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to radio receivers having spacedantennas.

More particularly, this invention relates to radio receivers using radiofrequency (RF) signals from spaced antennas to generate audio signals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nearly every vehicle has a radio receiver for receiving broadcast radiofrequency (RF) signals such as amplitude modulation (AM) and frequencymodulation (FM) signals. Many vehicle radio receivers also receive radiodata system (RDS) signals. Vehicles include automobiles, trucks, bases,and the like.

Most radio receivers use omni-directional antennas to address the almostconstantly changing reception conditions in a moving vehicle. Thereception quality of RF signals and especially RDS signals usually isimpaired by the multipath distortion associated with these antennas.Multipath distortion typically is a localized effect resulting from theinteraction between multiple signals from a transmitter. Some broadcastsignals bounce or reflect off objects such as buildings, mountains, andthe like. The bounced or reflected signal and the direct signal oftenare not in phase or synchronized when received by an omni-directionalantenna. The data in these out-of-phase or unsynchronized signals areoften scrambled or otherwise unusable by the radio receiver.

Many radio receivers have multiple antennas to reduce multipathdistortion. The antennas are spaced apart on the vehicle. The radioreceiver switches between the spaced antennas to lessen the impact ofmultipath distortion. The spacing of the antennas reduces the likelihoodof the antennas experiencing multipath distortion events at the sametime.

Some radio receivers mix the incoming RF signals from the antennas toreduce the multipath distortion. The mixture of the RF signal forms acombined signal. The proportion of each RF signal in the combined signalusually is responsive to the signal quality of each RF signal. Signalquality generally is related to various characteristics of an RF signalsuch as the signal strength, the signal noise, and the like. The radioreceiver generates the audio signal in response to the combined signal.The radio receiver usually checks the signal quality of the separate RFsignals along the same signal path where the receiver adjusts theproportions of the RF signals to create the combined signal.

Other radio receivers switch to alternate frequencies to reducemultipath distortion. The alternate frequencies transmit the identicalaudio program. The radio receiver usually monitors the alternatefrequencies to determine whether an alternate frequency has bettersignal quality. The radio receiver switches to each alternate frequencymomentarily and then switches back to the original frequency. Some radioreceivers avoid the resulting switching effect in the audio signal bystopping the mixing of the incoming RF signals. These radio receiversuse one RF signal to continue generation of the audio signal and anotherRF signal to monitor the alternate frequencies.

SUMMARY

The invention provides a vehicle radio receiver with a beamsteeringcontrol system having two signal paths, each responsive to incomingradio signals. A test signal generated on one signal path adjusts thesignal quality of a signal generated on the other signal path.

In one aspect, a vehicle radio receiver has a first mixer circuit and asecond mixer circuit. The first mixer circuit is operable to generate areceiver signal from first and second signals. The receiver signal ischaracterized by a receiver signal quality. The second mixer circuit isoperable to generate a test signal from a different combination of thefirst and second signals. The test signal characterized by a test signalquality. The first mixer circuit is operable to reset the combination ofthe first and second signals for the receiver signal in response to thetest signal when the test signal quality exceeds the receiver signalquality.

In another aspect, a vehicle radio receiver has a first mixer circuit, asecond mixer circuit, a first tuner, and a second tuner. The first mixercircuit is operable to generate a radio frequency (RF) receiver signalcharacterized by a receiver steering solution. The receiver steeringsolution represents the proportion of a first RF signal and a second RFsignal in the RF receiver signal. The second mixer circuit is operableto generate an RF test signal characterized by a test steering solution.The test steering solution represents the proportion of the first RFsignal and the second RF signal in the RF test signal. The first tuneris connected to the first mixer circuit. The first tuner is operable togenerate a receiver signal in response to the RF receiver signal. Thereceiver signal has a receiver signal quality. The second tuner isconnected to the second mixer circuit. The second tuner is operable togenerate a test signal in response to the RF test signal. The testsignal has a test signal quality. The first mixer circuit is operable toreset the RF receiver signal in response to the test steering solutionwhen the test signal quality exceeds the receiver signal quality.

In one method for beamsteering control in a vehicle radio receiver, areceiver signal is generated in response to a first radio signal and asecond radio signal. The receiver signal has a receiver signal quality.A test signal is generated in response to a first test steeringsolution. The first test steering solution represents the proportion ofthe first and second radio signals in the test signal. The test signalhas a test signal quality. The receiver signal is reset in response tothe first test steering solution when the test signal quality exceedsthe receiver signal quality.

In another method for beamsteering control in a vehicle radio receiver,a receiver signal is generated in response to a first radio signal and asecond radio signal. A receiver signal quality of the receiver signal ismeasured. A first test steering solution is generated in response to thefirst radio signal. A first test signal quality of a first test signalis measured. The first test signal is responsive to the first teststeering solution. The receiver signal is reset in response to the firsttest steering solution when the first test signal quality exceeds thereceiver signal quality.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention willbe or will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon examination ofthe following figures and detailed description. All such additionalsystems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be includedwithin this description, within the scope of the invention, andprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention may be better understood with reference to the followingfigures and detailed description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis being placed upon illustrating theprinciples of the invention. Moreover, like reference numerals in thefigures designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 represents a block diagram of a vehicle having a radio receiverwith a beamsteering control system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 represents a radio receiver with a beamsteering control systemaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 represents a radio receiver with a beamsteering control systemaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for beamsteering control in a vehicleradio receiver according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for beamsteering control in a vehicleradio receiver according to a further embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 represents a block diagram of a vehicle 100 having a radioreceiver 102 with a beamsteering control system according to anembodiment. Vehicles include automobiles, trucks, buses, and the like.The radio receiver 102 is connected to a first antenna 104, a secondantenna 106, and an output device 108. In one aspect, the radio receiver102 and antennas 104 and 106 are configured for receiving and processingfrequency modulation (FM) signals having a frequency in the range ofabout 88 MHz through about 108 MHz. The FM signals may include radiodata signals. Other frequencies and modulations may be used. Whileparticular configurations are shown, other configurations andarrangements may be used including those with fewer and additionalcomponents.

The antennas 104 and 106 may be any radio reception devices forproviding radio frequency (RF) signals to the radio receiver 102. Theantennas 104 and 106 may be the same or different radio receptiondevices. The antennas may be spaced or disposed to reduce multipleevents. In one aspect, antenna 104 is a vertical whip or mast antennaand antenna 106 is an on-glass conformable antenna. In this aspect,antennas 104 is mounted on a front portion of the vehicle 100 andantenna 106 is mounted on a rear window of the vehicle 100.

The output device 108 may be one or more speakers or other audioreproduction devices. There may be several speakers disposed throughoutthe vehicle 100. The output device 108 may include a display device forindicating operating and performance parameters of the radio receiver102 and incurring RF signals. The display device may be incorporatedwith a control interface described below.

FIG. 2 represents a radio receiver 202 with a beamsteering controlsystem according to one embodiment. The radio receiver 202 is connectedto a first antenna 204, a second antenna 206, and an output device 208.The radio receiver 202 comprises a controller 220 connected to a firsttuner 210, a second tuner 212, a first mixer circuit 214, a second mixercircuit 216, and a signal processing circuit 218. The controller 220 isconnected to a control interface 222. The radio receiver 202 forms twosignal paths responsive to the incoming RF signals. The first signalpath generates an audio signal from the RF signals. The first signalpath extends from the first and second antennas 204 and 206, through thefirst and second tuners 210 and 212, through the first mixer circuit214, to the signal processing circuit 218. The second signal pathsearches for signal steering solutions responsive to the RF signals. Thesecond signal path extends from the first and second antennas 204 and206, through the first and second tuners 210 and 212, to the secondmixer circuit 216. The radio receiver 202 may have other components andarrangements including those with different signal paths.

The first tuner 210 receives a first radio frequency (RF) signals fromthe first antenna 204. The first tuner 210 amplifies and filters thefirst RF signal to provide a first intermediate frequency (IF) ormultiplex (MPX) signal to the first mixer circuit 214 and the secondmixer circuit 216. The first IF or MPX signal is selected in response toa frequency control signal from the controller 220.

The second tuner 212 receives a second RF signal from the second antenna206. The second tuner 212 amplifies and filters the second RF signal toprovide a second IF or MPX signal to the first mixer circuit 214 and thesecond mixer 216. The second IF or MPX signal is selected in response tothe frequency control signal from the controller 220.

The first mixer circuit 214 provides a receiver signal to the signalprocessing circuit 218 in response to the first and second IF or MPXsignals. The receiver signal may be the first IF or MPX signal, thesecond IF or MPX signal, or a combination thereof. The receiver signalcan be characterized by a receiver steering solution, which representsthe proportion of the first and second IF or MPX signals in the receiversignal. The receiver signal also can be characterized a receiver signalquality, which may be a measured parameter such as signal noise andsignal strength, or the difference from a standard level for aparameter.

The signal processing circuit 218 provides one or more data or audiosignals to the output device 208 in response to the receiver signal. Thesignal processing circuit 218 decodes and amplifies the receiver signal.The signal processing circuit 218 may perform other or additionalprocessing of the receiver signal.

The second mixer circuit 216 generates a test signal in response to thefirst and second IF or MPX signals. The test signal may be the first IFor MPX signal, the second IF or MPX signal, or a combination thereof.The test signal can be characterized by a test steering solution whichrepresents the proportion of the first and second IF or MPX signals inthe test signal. The test signal also can be characterized by a testsignal quality, which may be a measured level or a difference from astandard as previously discussed.

The controller 220 searches for test steering solutions having a testsignal quality that exceeds the receiver signal quality. “Exceeds”includes any level or measurement where the quality is improved.“Exceeds” may include the slightest increase or other indication of animprovement in quality. To reduce flutter or other rapid signal changes,“exceeds” may indicate a quality measurement greater than apredetermined level, where the predetermined level is a measured amountabove where the signal qualities are equal or above a current qualitylevel of the receiver signal. The test steering solutions characterizethe proportion of the incoming RF signals in the test signals. The testsignal varies as the proportion changes. The proportions include justone of the RF signals, a mix of the RF signals, a portion of one RFsignal, and the like. The test signal quality may change and may remainthe same as the test signal changes. Any searching technique may be usedas discussed below. The controller 220 compares the test signal qualityof each test steering solution with the receiver signal qualityaccording to the search technique. When the test signal quality exceedsthe receiver signal quality, the controller 220 resets or changes thereceiver steering solution to the test steering solution, which changesthe receiver signal to be the same as the test signal having the betterquality. The controller 220 searches for test steering solutionscontinuously or at intervals. The controller 220 may reset or change thereceiver steering solution whenever a better test steering solution isavailable. The controller may reset or change the receiver steeringsolution after comparing the receiver signal quality with the testsignal qualities from a group of test steering solutions. The group maycomprise part or all of the available test steering solutions.

FIG. 3 represents a radio receiver 302 with a beamsteering controlsystem according to another embodiment. The radio receiver 302 isconnected to a first antenna 304, a second antenna 306, and an outputdevice 308. The radio receiver 302 comprises a controller 320 connectedto a first tuner 310, a second tuner 312, a first mixer circuit 314, asecond mixer circuit 316, and a signal processing circuit 318.

The controller is connected to a control interface 322. The radioreceiver 302 forms two signal paths responsive to the incoming RFsignals. The first signal path generates an audio signal from the RFsignals. The first signal path extends from the first and secondantennas 304 and 306, through the first mixer circuit 314, through thefirst tuner 310, to the signal processing circuit 318. The second signalpath searches for signal steering solutions responsive to the RFsignals. The second signal path extends from the first and secondantennas 304 and 306, through the second mixer circuit 316, to thesecond tuner 312. The radio receiver 302 may have other components andarrangements.

The first mixer circuit 314 receives a first radio frequency (RF) signalfrom the first antenna 304 and a second RF signal from the secondantenna 306. The first mixer circuit 314 provides an RF receiver signalto the first tuner 310 in response to the first and second RF signals.The RF receiver signal is characterized by an RF steering solution,which represents the proportion of the first and second RF signals inthe RF receiver signal.

The first tuner 310 receives the RF receiver signal from the first mixercircuit 314. The first tuner 310 amplifies and filters the RF receiversignal to provide an intermediate frequency (IF) or multiplex (MPX)receiver signal to the signal processing circuit 318. The IF or MPXreceiver signal is selected in response to a frequency control signalfrom the controller 320. The IF or MPX receiver signal has a RF receiversignal quality, which may be a measured level or a difference from astandard. The signal processing circuit 318 provides one or more data oraudio signals to the output device 208 in response to the IF or MPXreceiver signal.

The second mixer circuit 316 receives the first RF signal from the firstantenna 304 and the second RF signal from the second antenna 306. Thesecond mixer circuit 316 provides an RF test signal to the second tuner312 in response to the first and second RF signals. The RF test signalis characterized by an RF test steering solution, which represents theproportion of the first and second RF signals in the RF test signal.

The second tuner 312 receives the RF test signal from the second mixercircuit 316. The second tuner 312 amplifies and filters the RF testsignal to provide an IF or MPX test signal. The IF or MPX test signal isselected in response to the frequency control signal from the controller320. The IF or MPX test signal has a test signal quality, which may be ameasured parameter or a difference from a standard.

The controller 320 searches for RF test steering solutions having a testsignal quality that exceeds the receiver signal quality. The controller320 compares the test signal quality of an RF test steering solutionwith the receiver signal quality. When the test signal quality exceedsthe receiver signal quality, the controller resets or changes the RFreceiver steering solution to the RF test steering solution.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for beamsteering control in a vehicleradio receiver according to an embodiment. At start 430, a first radiosignal and a second audio signal are received. The first and secondradio signals may be radio frequency (RF) signals received throughantennas. The RF signals may be frequency modulation (FM) signals havinga frequency in the range of about 88 MHz through about 108 MHz. The RFsignals may include radio data signals. Other frequencies andmodulations may be used. The first and second radio signals may beintermediate frequency (IF) or multiplex (MPX) signals generated bytuners in response to radio frequency (RF) signals.

The radio receiver generates 432 a receiver steering solution for thefirst and second radio signals. The receiver steering solution may beinitially set at a predetermined level. The receiver steering solutionmay be initially set in response to the quality of the incoming RFsignals. The receiver steering solution may be set by other methodsincluding those related to the search technique used to search for teststeering solutions. The receiver steering solution represents theproportion of the first and second radio signals in the receiver signal.The radio receiver generates 434 a receiver signal in response to thefirst receiver steering solution. The receiver signal has a receiversignal quality, as previously discussed. The radio receiver generates436 one or more audio and data signals in response to the receiversignal. The radio receiver continues 438 the generation of audio anddata signals or returns to start 430.

The radio receiver generates 438 a first test steering solution for thefirst and second radio signals. The test steering solution may be set insimilar fashion as the receiver steering solution. The test steeringsolution may be the same as the receiver steering solution initially.The test steering solution also may be set in relation to the searchtechnique used. The first test steering solution represents theproportion of the first and second radio signals in the test signal. Theradio receiver generates 440 a test signal in response to the first teststeering solution. The test signal has a test signal quality aspreviously discussed.

The radio receiver compares 442 the test signal quality with thereceiver signal quality. The radio receiver determines 444 whether thetest signal quality exceeds the receiver signal quality. The signalquality may be assessed in response to a measured parameter such assignal noise and signal strength, a deviation from a standard, acombination thereof, or other factors. To reduce flutter or other rapidsignal changes, the radio receiver may determine that the test signalquality exceeds the receiver signal quality when the test signal qualityexceeds a predetermined level higher than the receiver signal quality.In one aspect, the predetermined level is about 10 percent of receiversignal quality.

If the test signal does not exceed the receiver signal quality, theradio receiver 446 selects a second test steering solution. The radioreceiver generates 440 a new test signal in response to the secondsteering solution. The selection of the new test steering solution is inaccordance with a search technique for the beamsteering system. Anysearch technique may be used for determination of the test steeringsolution. The search technique may be by trial-and-error where thesecond test steering solution is selected randomly, sequentially, or byanother iterative approach.

The search technique may be an analytical or evaluative approach such asa steepest descent method. The radio receiver may search continuously orat intervals.

If the test signal quality exceeds the receiver signal quality, theradio receiver changes or sets 448 the receiver steering solution to bethe same as the test steering solution. The radio receiver generates 434the receiver signal in response to the changed or reset receiversteering solution.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for beamsteering control in a vehicleradio receiver according to a further embodiment. At start 530, theradio receiver receives a first radio frequency (RF) signal and a secondRF signal. The radio receiver generates 532 a receiver steering solutionof the first and second RF signals. The radio receiver generates 534 areceiver signal in response to the receiver steering solution. The radioreceiver measures 550 a receiver signal quality of the receiver signal.The radio receiver generates 536 one or more audio and data signals inresponse to the receiver signal.

The radio receiver generates 552 a first test steering solution inresponse to the first RF signal. The radio receiver measures 554 a firsttest signal quality of a first test signal responsive to the first teststeering solution. The radio receiver determines 556 whether the firsttest signal quality exceeds the receiver signal quality. If the firsttest quality exceeds the receiver signal quality, the radio receiverchanges or resets 548 the receiver steering solution to the first teststeering solution. The radio receiver generates 534 receiver signal inresponse to the new receiver steering solution.

If the first test signal quality does not exceed the receiver signalquality, the radio receiver generates 558 a second test steeringsolution in response to the second RF signal. The radio receivermeasures 560 a second test signal quality of a second test signalresponsive to the second test steering solution. The radio receiverdetermines 562 whether the second test signal quality exceeds thereceiver signal quality. If the second test signal quality exceeds thereceiver signal quality, the radio receiver changes or resets 548 thereceiver steering solution to the second test steering solution. Theradio receiver 534 generates the receiver signal in response to the newreceiver steering solution.

If the second test signal quality does not exceed the receiver signalquality, the radio receiver generates 564 a third test steering solutionin response to the first and second RF signals. The radio receivermeasures 566 a third test signal quality of a third test signalresponsive to the third test steering solution. The radio receiverdetermines 568 whether the third test signal quality exceeds thereceiver signal quality. If the third test signal quality exceeds thereceiver signal quality, the radio receiver changes or resets 548 thereceiver steering solution to the third test steering solution. Theradio receiver 534 generates the receiver signal in response to the newreceiver steering solution.

If the third test signal quality does not exceed the receiver signalquality, the radio receiver determines 570 whether to continue searchingfor another test steering solution in response to the first and secondRF signals. If the searching continues, the radio receiver generates 558an additional test steering solution. The radio receiver measures 560 anadditional test signal quality of the additional test signal. The radioreceiver determines 562 whether the additional test signal qualityexceeds the receiver signal quality. This searching continues accordingto a selected searching technique until the search technique stops or anadditional test steering solution provides a test signal quality thatexceeds the receiver signal quality. The test search technique may stopbecause the searching technique is finished or has been interrupted. Ifthe radio receiver cannot find an additional test steering solutionhaving a test signal quality that exceeds the receiver signal quality,the radio receiver continues to start 530.

Various embodiments of the invention have been described andillustrated. However, the description and illustrations are by way ofexample only. Other embodiments and implementations are possible withinthe scope of this invention and will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art. Therefore, the invention is not limited to thespecific details, representative embodiments, and illustrated examplesin this description. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restrictedexcept in light as necessitated by the accompanying claims and theirequivalents.

1. A vehicle radio receiver comprising: a first mixer circuit operableto generate a receiver signal from first and second signals, thereceiver signal characterized by a receiver signal quality; and a secondmixer circuit operable to generate a test signal from a differentproportion of the first and second signals, the test signalcharacterized by a test signal quality, where the first mixer circuit isoperable to reset a proportion of the first and second signals for thereceiver signal in response to the different proportion of the first andsecond signals of the test signal when the test signal quality exceedsthe receiver signal quality.
 2. The vehicle radio receiver according toclaim 1, where the second mixer is operable to generate a new testsignal in response to a new proportion of the first and second signals,the new test signal characterized by a new test signal quality, andwhere the first mixer circuit is operable to reset the receiver signalin response to the new proportion when the new test signal qualityexceeds the receiver signal quality.
 3. The vehicle radio receiveraccording to claim 1, where the first and second RF signals comprisefrequency modulation (FM) signals having a frequency in the range ofabout 88 MHz through about 108 MHz.
 4. The vehicle radio receiveraccording to claim 3, where the first and second RE signals compriseradio data services (RDS) signals.
 5. The vehicle radio receiveraccording to claim 1, where the first and second signals comprise atleast one of an intermediate frequency (IF) signal and a multiplex (MPX)signal.
 6. The vehicle radio receiver according to claim 1, where atleast one of the receiver signal quality and the test signal qualitycomprise at least one of a signal strength and a signal noise.
 7. Thevehicle radio receiver according to claim 1, wherein the first mixercircuit is operable to change the proportion of the first and secondsignals for generating the receiver signal by the first mixer circuit,based on the different proportion of the first and second signals and inresponse to the test signal when the test signal quality exceeds thereceiver signal quality.
 8. The vehicle radio receiver according toclaim 1, wherein the first mixer circuit is operable to change theproportion of the first and second signals for generating the receiversignal by the first mixer circuit, to match the different proportion ofthe first and second signals in response to the test signal when thetest signal quality exceeds the receiver signal quality.
 9. A vehicleradio receiver comprising: a first mixer circuit operable to generate aradio frequency (RF) receiver signal characterized by a receiversteering solution, the receiver steering solution representing aproportion of a first RF signal and a second RF signal in the RFreceiver signal; a second mixer circuit operable to generate an RF testsignal characterized by a test steering solution, the test steeringsolution representing a proportion of the first RF signal and the secondRF signal in the RF test signal; a first tuner connected to the firstmixer circuit the first tuner operable to generate a receiver signal inresponse to the RF receiver signal, the receiver signal having areceiver signal quality; and a second tuner connected to the secondmixer circuit, the second tuner operable to generate a test signal inresponse to the RF test signal, the test signal having a test signalquality, where the first mixer circuit is operable to reset theproportion of the first and second RF signal in the receiver signal inresponse to the proportion of the first RF signal and second RF signalin the RF test signal, when the test signal quality exceeds the receiversignal quality.
 10. The vehicle radio receiver according to claim 9,where the second mixer is operable to generate a new RF test signal inresponse to a new test steering solution, where the second tuner isoperable to generate a new test signal in response to the new RF testsignal, the new test signal having a new test signal quality, and wherethe first mixer circuit is operable to reset the RF receiver signal inresponse to the new test steering solution when the new test signalquality exceeds the receiver signal quality.
 11. The vehicle radioreceiver according to claim 9, where the first and second RF signalscomprise frequency modulation (FM) signals having a frequency in therange of about 88 MHz through about 108 MHz.
 12. The vehicle radioreceiver according to claim 9, where the receiver and test signalscomprise at least one of an intermediate frequency (IF) signal and amultiplex (MPX) signal.
 13. The vehicle radio receiver according toclaim 9, where the first and second RF signals comprise radio dataservices (RDS) signals.
 14. The vehicle radio receiver according toclaim 9, where the first and second mixers are configured to receive thefirst RF signal from a first antenna and the second RF signal from asecond antenna, and where the first and second antennas are disposed atdifferent positions on the vehicle.
 15. The vehicle radio receiveraccording to claim 9, further comprising a signal processing circuitconnected to the first tuner, the signal processing circuit operable togenerate an audio signal in response to the receiver signal.
 16. Amethod for beamsteering control in a vehicle radio receiver comprising:generating a receiver signal in response to a first radio signal and asecond radio signal, where the receiver signal has a receiver signalquality; generating a test signal in response to a first test steeringsolution, where the first test steering solution represents a proportionof the first and second radio signals in the test signal, where the testsignal has a test signal quality; and resetting a proportion of thefirst and second radio signal in the receiver signal to generate thereceiver signal in response to the proportion of the first and secondsignals in the test signal when the test signal quality exceeds thereceiver signal quality.
 17. The method according to claim 16, where thefirst and second radio signals comprise radio frequency (RF) signals.18. The method according to claim 17, where the RF signals comprisefrequency modulation (FM) signals having a frequency in the range ofabout 88 MHz through about 108 MHz.
 19. The method according to claim17, where the RF signals comprise radio data services (RDS) signals. 20.The method according to claim 16, where the first and second radiosignals comprise at least one of an intermediate frequency (IF) signaland a multiplex (MPX) signal.
 21. The method according to claim 16,further comprising: selecting a second test steering solution;generating a new test signal in response to the second test steeringsolution, the new test signal having a new test signal quality; andresetting the receiver signal in response to the second test steeringsolution when the new test signal quality exceeds the receiver signalquality.
 22. The method according to claim 16, further comprising:generating an audio signal in response to the receiver signal.
 23. Amethod for beamsteering control in a vehicle radio receiver, comprising:generating a receiver signal in response to a first radio signal and asecond radio signal; measuring a receiver signal quality of the receiversignal generating a first test steering solution in response to thefirst radio signal; measuring a first test signal quality of a firsttest signal responsive to the first test steering solution; andresetting a proportion of the first and second radio signal in thereceiver signal to generate the receiver signal in response to aproportion of the first and second radio signal in the first test signalwhen the first test signal quality exceeds the receiver signal quality.24. The method according to claim 23, where the first and second radiosignals comprise frequency modulated (FM) signals having a frequency inthe range of about 88 MHz through about 108 MHz.
 25. The methodaccording to claim 23, where the first and second radio signals compriseat least one of an intermediate frequency (IF) signal and a multiplex(MPX) signal.
 26. The method according to claim 23, where the first andsecond radio signals comprise radio data services (RDS) signals.
 27. Themethod according to claim 23, further comprising: generating a secondtest steering solution in response to the second radio signal; measuringa second test signal quality of a second test signal responsive to thesecond test steering solution; and resetting the proportion of the firstand second radio signal in response to the second test steering solutionwhen the second test quality exceeds the receiver signal quality. 28.The method according to claim 27, further comprising: generating a thirdtest steering solution in response to the first and second radiosignals; measuring a third test signal quality of a third test signalresponsive to the third test steering solution; and resetting theproportion of the first and second said signal in response to the thirdsteering solution when the third test quality exceeds the receiver testquality.
 29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising:generating a new test steering solution in response to the first andsecond radio signals; measuring a new test signal quality of a new testsignal responsive to the new test steering solution; and resetting thereceiver signal in response to the new steering solution when the newtest quality exceeds the receiver test quality.